Protecting Science or Protecting Power?
Why the Royal Society Must Expel Elon Musk
Since 2018, Elon Musk has been a Fellow of the Royal Society—a membership that, to many shows the power of wealth over true scientific merit.
Founded in 1660, the Royal Society is the world’s oldest scientific academy. It exists to advance knowledge, promote excellence, advise policymakers, and engage the public. Its Fellows are bound by a strict code of conduct rooted in integrity, excellence, respect, and collaboration. However, Musk’s behaviour and actions stand in direct opposition to these principles. Instead of defending reason and evidence, he has repeatedly spread misinformation, attacked experts and politicians, and spread conspiracy theories—all while positioning himself as an arbiter of truth.
His recent, baseless and inflammatory attack on UK MP Jess Phillips is only the latest in a long pattern of reckless rhetoric that has real-world consequences. Worse, Musk’s involvement in a US administration, that is actively dismantling scientific research, makes his continuous position within the Royal Society untenable.
By failing to act, the Royal Society sends a dangerous message— that scientific integrity and accountability are secondary to wealth and influence. So far, the institution has hidden behind the vague assurance that "issues concerning Fellows are dealt with in strict confidence." Confidentiality is important, but in this case, silence is not discretion- it is complicity.
The decision before the Royal Society is simple but profound: does it uphold its values and expel Musk, or does it betray its own principles? More than 2,500 scientists have already signed an open letter, led by Emeritus Professor Stephen Curry, calling for action. I stand in solidarity with them and call the Royal Society to defend not just its own credibility, but the very foundation of scientific integrity itself.
Because if the Royal Society cannot hold its own Fellows accountable, then what, exactly, does it stand for?
If you wish to show your support for the letter below regarding apparent inaction by the Royal Society in the face of breaches of its code of conduct by Elon Musk FRS, please sign here.
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Notes:
‘Devastating’ cuts to NIH grants by Trump’s team put on hold by US judge - Nature
Elon Musk's 'disinformation' endangering me, says Jess Phillips - BBC News
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